Aging in Style with Lori Williams

It’s always good to stay hydrated in the heat of summer, but it’s especially important for seniors. A UCLA study found that 40% of seniors may be chronically under-hydrated, with adults age 65 and above having the highest hospital admission rates for dehydration.

There are a few reasons seniors tend to struggle with hydration. Some seniors may have a decreased sense of thirst as they age, and others may struggle with incontinence and avoid drinking enough. Senior Services Expert Lori Williams discusses the main reasons seniors get dehydrated, signs and symptoms, and easy fixes to stay hydrated and even make it fun.

Topics discussed:
- Dehydration in seniors
- Mobility issues
- Cognitive impairments / dementia
- Seniors and UTIs
- How to stay hydrated
- Water-rich foods

Takeaways from this episode:

- Reasons for dehydration in seniors include medications, mobility issues, cognitive impairments, reduced kidney function, and more.

- Signs of dehydration are muscle cramps, dizziness, dark urine, fatigue, dry skin, confusion, rapid breathing and heartbeat, and low blood pressure.

- Risks of dehydration include falling due to disorientation, as well as UTIs, which can escalate to kidney infection and even sepsis.

- You can stay hydrated by eating water-rich foods, such as cucumber and watermelon, making smoothies, or sucking on popsicles.

- Bring a water bottle with you when you’re running errands and keep a large one with you at all times so you don’t have to refill frequently.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Drinking cups for seniors with mobility issues:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=senior+cups+for+seniors&rh=n%3A3760901%2Cn%3A3775831&dc&qid=1625690471&rnid=2941120011&ref=sr_nr_n_2

Jelly Drops to boost hydration:
https://www.jellydrops.com/

To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast please email [email protected] 

For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter please visit:

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

One out of every 3 seniors over the age of 65 falls in their home, with most falls occurring in the bathroom. If your family member is falling or having trouble getting around at home, but wishes to remain independent, it's critical to make the home safe for them. However, it’s hard to know which products they’ll need, who can install them and how to install them.

Inspired by her experience with her own father, Founder and CEO Sydney Hughes began Senior Proof Inc. to address this gap in the market and alleviate these stresses for caregivers. The business helps with anything that makes independent seniors safer and more comfortable within their home. The team helps install grab bars, wheelchair ramps, walk-in showers, motion sensor lighting around the home, and more measures to enhance overall safety.

In this episode, she shares ideas to make your home safe on a budget. These cost-effective tips are imperative to keeping your loved ones safe and giving family members peace of mind.

Topics discussed:
- Senior safety at home
- Making your home fall-proof
- Grab bars for seniors
- Wheelchair ramps
- Motion-sensor lights
- Home safety on a budget
- Products for senior safety

Takeaways from this episode:
- Senior Proof Inc. offers the guidance of aging-in-place specialists that evaluate the property based on ADA guidelines.
- Not only are walk-in showers safer, but it’s even better to create a slip-resistant surface for added protection.
- One helpful device is a toilet safety rail with armrests on each side and nonslip handles. There are affordable options online.
- If you have your foyer, dining room area or dark hallways, try motion-lighting sensors to illuminate walking paths. Try battery-operated ones for a less costly alternative.
- Many clients install motion-sensor lights in bathrooms because that’s where falls are common, as well as around the bed frame and on the wall on the way to the bathroom.
- Invest in a rail to help you get out of bed. Remember you get what you pay for with bed rails and will need something sturdy.
- For any rails in the home, do your research on weight limits and make sure it’s the right height.
- Threshold ramps in doorways help with smoother wheelchair entry over a doorway.
- “If you don’t use it, you lose it” - stay active even if it’s just walking around your house a few times a day.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Rust-Oleum Anti-slip spray coat:
https://thd.co/3vLokIQ

Carex toilet safety rail:
https://www.amazon.com/Carex-Support-Adjustable-Assistance-Standing/dp/B00354B818

Motion Sensor Lights:
https://amzn.to/3d7a2Mc

Fall prevention episode with expert Jaque Archer:
https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/792ce4fd/020-a-conversation-about-fall-prevention-with-expert-jacque-archer

Adjustable bed rail:
https://stander.com/product/ez-adjust-bed-rail/

Texas Ramp Project:
https://www.texasramps.org/

Senior Proof Inc:
www.seniorproofinc.com

For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter please visit:
https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

Driving is a symbol of independence, which is one reason why it’s tough for seniors to accept when it’s time to hand in the keys. 

It’s also not a fun conversation for loved ones to initiate. For that discussion to be effective, it’s important to recognize when and why it's time for your loved one to stop driving.

Senior Services Expert Lori Williams outlines the 7 signs to look out for, so you can be proactive and have the conversation when it’s time. She explains aging itself is not a reason to stop driving - some 90-year-olds can still drive comfortably and safely. But you should be aware of certain mental and physical limitations that make driving risky. If you understand what to look for, you can help your loved ones with knowledge and confidence.

Topics discussed:

-Driving-Seniors and Dementia

-Senior Independence

-Seniors Driving Safely

-7 red flags for seniors driving

-When it's time for seniors to stop driving

Takeaways from this episode:

- Physical changes can make driving harder, including decreased vision and mobility, slow reflexes and body stiffness.

- Examine your loved one’s car – are there fresh dents and scrapes? Also look at the state of their garage and nearby objects like the mailbox.

- Changes in mood can also indicate driving stress or difficulty. Maybe your soft-spoken mother now has road rage when she never used to in the past.

- Notice if other family members are nervous to drive with this loved one.

- AARP has a free online seminar for preparing for the conversation and engaging loved ones effectively.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

AARP's seminar about driving conversations called 'We need to talk':

https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/we-need-to-talk/

Episode about watching for red flags, including dangerous driving:

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/78dafab1/021-7-red-flags-to-look-for-during-holiday-visits-with-senior-family-members

To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast please email: [email protected]

For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter, please visit:

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

Dana Mantilia realized how critical it is for people to learn about cybercriminals, identity thieves and scammers while creating her identity protection company. 

Criminals often prey upon seniors in particular by playing on their emotions and loneliness, creating a sense of urgency to get them to act fast. That’s why it’s important to have conversations with seniors who aren’t as knowledgeable about the pitfalls of technology so they’re aware of the risks and keep their personal information secure.

This week Dana joins Senior Services Expert Lori Williams to discuss the top tactics cyber criminals use. She shares common red flags to look out for, so you can spot an attempt when it’s happening. With her protection tips gaining more than 2.5 million views on social media, her advice is useful for people of all ages to prevent identity theft and avoid becoming a victim of fraud.

Topics discussed:
- Senior scams
- Identity theft
- Data breaches
- Credit monitoring
- Phone and email scammers
- Money laundering
- Cybersecurity

Takeaways from this episode:
- Scams tend to play off of emotions and urgency so you don’t have time to stop to consider the likelihood of their claims being false. Realize that in real life most requests don’t have to happen immediately, so don’t rush to pay anyone.
- Common phone scams include pretending to be a relative that needs money to get out of jail, people from “Medicare” asking for personal information, and “charities” needing donations.
- Use charitynavigator.org to check if a charity is legitimate.
- Never give out your personal information on the phone. Government agencies will reach out to you through the mail, not phone.
- People will take advantage of seniors on dating sites by quickly escalating a relationship and asking for money.
- Don’t transfer money from your account to a stranger's because it could be a money-laundering scheme and you could be held liable.- Review your privacy settings on Facebook.
- Use different passwords for everything so if your login details are stolen for one account, your others aren’t immediately compromised.
- Be sure to check your Google / Gmail password because your account often stores payment information to all the websites you visit.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
To connect to Dana and learn more about her Identity Protection Business:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-mantilia/
https://www.identityprotectionplanning.com/

To claim your online social security account:
https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/
To verify a charity's work before donating:
www.charitynavigator.org
To find out if your email address has been part of a data breach:
https://haveibeenpwned.com/
Mexican prison scam video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTL1vK6r3qw

To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast please email: [email protected]
For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter please visit:
https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/
https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/
https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

Music is popular for people of all ages, even seniors. 

For those with dementia, music has the power to stimulate memories of the past and ease their troubled minds. Some may even be able to play the piano though they’ve lost the ability to speak.Dr. Nicki Cohen is an expert music therapist who began her career in 1978, when the specialty was still relatively new. She explains how music therapy is used to connect with clients with memory impairments such as dementia. 

Musical experiences help with long-term memory even for those who have trouble having conversations. Plus, it helps people connect with the individual - and helps the individual connect with themselves.

Topics discussed:
- Dementia
- Music therapy for seniors
- Managing memory impairments
- Tomatis® method
- Stimulating memory with music
- Insurance and music therapy

Takeaways from this episode:
- Even if a senior with dementia is having trouble speaking, they may still be able to sing. Song lyrics are stored differently in the brain than conversational speech.
- Long-term memory lingers longer than short-term memory and just needs different triggers to stimulate it - like music.
- The Tomatis method can be used in people with dementia to keep their brain healthier as it builds up the brain by switching between 2 different ways of transmitting sounds.
- People tend to respond better to music that is familiar and live. They connect better and feel the vibrations and emotions.
- If the person with dementia is agitated, playing softer and gentler music can bring joy.
- People with dementia regress faster if they don’t work through some unresolved, pent-up emotions. Music can help release them.
- Music therapy is not just playing music. It’s a trained profession that involves sensitivity to the individual’s unique needs.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Nicki Cohen, PhD, MT-BC
https://musictherapyandimagery.com/https://twu.edu/music/faculty-and-staff/nicki-cohen-phd-mt-bc/
Video of Gladys Wilson and Naomi Feil:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrZXz10FcVM

To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast please email: [email protected]
For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter please visit:
https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/
https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/
https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/
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Though many people have loved ones with dementia, they don’t always know the best way to communicate with them.
Senior Services Expert Lori Williams often relays tips to people whose parents have dementia – and they often realize they’re not putting them into practice.

Lori’s 5 tips can help you and your loved one with dementia live more peacefully and stress-free. It can be difficult tending to family with memory loss, but interacting with them effectively can help their mood and well-being (and yours).

Topics discussed:
- Alzheimer’s, dementia and short-term memory
- Communicating with people with dementia
- Caregiving support
- Practicing patience

Takeaways from this episode:
- It helps to differentiate between your loved one’s disease and them as a person. If they knew how they were acting, they might be embarrassed or mortified.
- Treat them with respect by maintaining eye contact, speaking clearly and at a moderate pace, and using shorter sentences.
- Join your family on their journey rather than correcting them. It’s often not worth the effort and in their mind, their reality is correct.
- Avoid arguing with them because you risk agitating them, embarrassing them or making them upset.
- Don’t remind them if a loved one has passed away. Each time they remember it can be like reliving it the first time. It also serves no purpose if they’ll just forget in 5 minutes.
- Demonstrate to your loved ones that you’re listening to them and trying to understand what they’re saying. Even if they repeat themselves often, try to be patient.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
008. Dementia Journey Through a Daughter's Perspective:
https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/77cb0bff/008-dementia-journey-from-a-daughters-perspective

To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast please email: [email protected]
For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter please visit:
https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/
https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/
https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

What does a senior placement service and matchmaker have in common? 

According to Senior Living Expert Lori Williams, both take into account your needs and preferences to find the right result for you.When it comes to senior living, there are many considerations, like budget, health, mobility, geography, and more. There are also 2 types of placement services: national or local. Lori defines what a senior placement services does, how it can help you, and highlights the key differences between national and local placement services. 

Topics discussed:
-Senior services
-Senior living communities
-Consultations for senior living
-Considerations for senior living
-National vs local placement services

Takeaways from this episode:
- It can be overwhelming to find senior living on your own, and referrals from friends might not always benefit you because of different budgets and health needs.
- A placement service can help make a plan for you by putting all your requirements together to make it easy, stress-free, and suitable for your situation.
- National placement services can be helpful for when your parent or loved one is in another state and you need help finding them a place from afar.
- Local placement services know the area better, can visit the facilities in person, and know availability and more of the details to make a strong recommendation.
- Senior placement services are free for seniors and their families. This is because they have contracts with senior apartments, independent living communities, assisted living, and memory care facilities where they receive fees for referrals.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Fall prevention episode:
https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/792ce4fd/020-a-conversation-about-fall-prevention-with-expert-jacque-archer
Senior Housing 101:
https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/78876793/005-senior-housing-101

To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast please email: [email protected]
For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter please visit:
https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/
https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/
https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

In a study of seniors age 50 to 80, the benefits of pet ownership are obvious: 79% said that having a pet reduced stress. 

73% said having a pet provides a sense of purpose. 65% said it allowed them to connect with others, and 64% said that having a pet help them to be more physically active.

So instead of thinking you’re “too old” for a pet, consider how it keeps you young. This week Senior Services Expert Lori Williams reviews the very real benefits of pet ownership along with guidelines to consider, such as lifestyle and living arrangements.

Topics discussed:
- Companionship for seniors
- Benefits of pets
- Pets in senior communities
- Health and pet ownership
- Reducing stress and depression
- Choosing the right pet
- Best dogs for seniors

Takeaways from this episode:
- AARP studies show that pet owners have lower blood pressure and cholesterol than their peers. If you had a heart attack in the past, pets can boost your chance at long-term survival.
- Owning a pet helps your mood by increasing dopamine and serotonin levels. Pets can often read your emotions and even respond to them.
- Pets are a great way to stay social - they help start conversation and reduce loneliness. They can also keep you active and engaged.
- When choosing the right pet, consider your living situation. Many senior communities allow animals but may have breed and weight restrictions.
- Be sure you have a plan for your pets in case something happens to you.
- If you’re worried about energy levels or training, consider adopting a senior dog or a dog with the right temperament for your situation.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Pets for the elderly:
http://petsfortheelderly.org/
Susie's Senior Dogs:
https://susiesseniordogs.com/
Articles about benefits of pets for seniors:
https://www.aarp.org/home-family/your-home/info-2019/pets-boost-health.html
https://www.aarp.org/home-family/friends-family/info-2014/dog-owners-health-life-benefits-photo.html#slide2

To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast please email: [email protected]
For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter please visit:
https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/
https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/
https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

When Lynne Von Villas' father passed away and her mother was suffering dementia, she was inspired to get organized.

She had plenty of paperwork to deal with while carrying out her father’s will and moving her mother to a memory care facility. Eventually she realized she’d benefit from making all the information she needed portable and easy to reference. Having a 3-ring binder containing important information is a great idea for families to have ready, especially if the unthinkable happens.Lynne will discuss tips and tricks, plus important documents to have on hand.

She also explains how having the right paperwork ready can make it more stress-free for loved ones who will be in charge of a family member’s medical care and estate after they’re gone.

Topics discussed:

- Wills and estates

- Paperwork for elderly family

- Crisis preparedness

- Insurance and long-term care policies

- End-of-life / funeral plans

- Social Security and identity theft preparedness for seniors

Takeaways from this episode:

- Having a binder filled with important paperwork for senior family members is a great idea if they need to go to the hospital unexpectedly or you’re receiving frequent calls about their estate.

- For a medical crisis it’s essential to know if your loved one has veteran’s benefits, a Medicare plan (and which), a DNR, insurance policies, medication prescriptions or a long-term care policy.

- For finances, you should be a signer on their bank accounts and have your name is on stocks and bonds (and have them in electronic form).

- Send your loved one’s death certificates to the 3 credit bureaus to protect from identity theft.

- Binders can also include household accounts, electric, gas, and cell phone account information and passwords.

- It’s difficult for loved ones to dig around for marriage certificates, social security cards, etc. - so the more prepared you can be when preparing your binder, the less stressful it’ll be for them.

- Keep your binder and paperwork in a safe or somewhere secure.

Creating Your Binder List:

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2c62c2_65a3d9193ff5449bb47d6c1b4ab5e883~mv2.jpg

Get your Family Care Plan:

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/your-family-care-plan

To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast please email: [email protected]

For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter please visit:

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/